Roar calls for goal-line technology after ref's blunder

Roar coach Mike Mulvey has urged FFA boss David Gallop to investigate the use of goal-line technology after a clear Thomas Broich goal was waved away during Brisbane’s 2-1 victory over Adelaide United.

The Roar have moved 10 points clear on top of the A-League ladder and could have won in more emphatic fashion had Broich’s 46th minute strike been added to the scoresheet.

Screamer: Besart Berisha added two more goals to his tally, including a scorcher from distance. Photo: Getty Images

The German star put his foot through a 30m strike that clattered into the crossbar and ricocheted into the goal, before bouncing back out into play. Replays showed the ball clearly over the line.

Gallop was in the stands for the match and must have given some thought to what would have happened if Brisbane had come out on the wrong side of the ledger.

His former code, the NRL, utilises video referees while England’s Premier League has embraced goal-line technology. A camera-based system will be used at the FIFA World Cup.

There remains some resistance within football circles about the use of added technology to assist referees, with traditionalists arguing that it takes away some of the purity of the contest.

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But Mulvey and Adelaide coach Josep Gombau said the time was right for the A-League start embracing the technology at hand to ensure the right decisions were made.

“A wise head said to me inside that it’s probably time for the FFA to start investing, or looking to invest, in that technology,” Mulvey said.

“It exists, let’s see if we can get it here. Maybe it’s an exorbitant price. They are things of beauty, a strike from 30m. I can be quite calm about it because we’ve won the game.

“But there will be an instance where a coach is sitting like this and it’s cost them the game, or a position in the finals. It’s not right, in today’s day and age. It’s not right.”

And Gombau: “In normal life, we use technology. Why not in football? That’s my opinion. If it’s a goal, it’s a goal. The referee has to decide in one second, it’s very difficult.

“So people think it’s just part of the game but for me, no. If it’s a goal, it’s a goal.”

The incident may have given Gallop food for thought but Mulvey and the Roar have bigger fish to fry. Their lead on top of the ladder may be unassailable, with five rounds to play and three at home.

Besart Berisha (22nd min, 51st min) bagged a timely double and the scoresheet was only blemished in the 92nd minute, when Jeronimo caught Michael Theo out with a quality finish that needed to arrive 20 minutes earlier.

Mulvey has been loath to talk about winning the league title but confidence is rising at the Roar, as is momentum as they head to play Sydney FC next week.

“We’ve set this opportunity up for ourselves. I said to the lads, the door is open and we’re going to step through it. I thought we really stepped through it today,” Mulvey said.

Berisha may be moving to Melbourne Victory next season but is clearly savouring his final flings in the orange jumper, especially when the Maverick (Broich) to his Goose is teeing them up so well.

“What I really want to do is enjoy his time here let the fans get to see him without fear or failure. We understand he’s moving on but he’s shown he’s a true Brisbane Roar player. He scored two wonderful goals,” Mulvey said.

Brisbane lost Socceroo Ivan Franjic with an ankle injury, while Jade North was rested early after some soreness in his hamstring.